LITTLE ROCK, AR – Four of Arkansas’s agriculture commodity research and promotion boards are currently accepting proposals for research and promotion projects. The boards exist to support the growth and market development of the state’s agricultural industries.
Funded through assessments on the commodities they represent, these boards invest in research, marketing, and promotion initiatives that benefit producers and strengthen Arkansas agriculture. During the last fiscal year, the boards allocated $11.5 million to support research and promotion efforts.
“Agriculture is Arkansas’s largest industry, and these boards play a vital role in supporting our farmers and ranchers,” said Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward. “By investing in research and promotion today, they help secure a stronger agriculture industry tomorrow. The projects they fund, whether to improve production, expand markets, or promote Arkansas products, ensure Arkansas agriculture remains strong, competitive, and thriving for the future.”
Information on all six boards and the status of their proposal periods is provided below.
Arkansas Rice Research and Promotion Board
The nine-member board is currently accepting proposals until January 9, 2026. The board has established a $2.4 million funding goal for research proposals. The board’s research funding meetings will be held January 29–30, 2026. Funding available for promotion proposals will be set at the board’s meeting on February 4, 2026.
Arkansas Corn and Grain Sorghum Promotion Board
The seven-member board is currently accepting proposals until January 9, 2026. Funding amounts for research and promotion proposals will be determined at the board’s meetings on February 2–3, 2026.
Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board
The nine-member board is currently accepting proposals until January 31, 2026. Funding amounts for research and promotion proposals will be set at the board’s meetings on March 12–13, 2026.
Arkansas Catfish Promotion Board
The seven-member board will begin accepting proposals January 2, 2026, with a deadline for submittal of April 1, 2026. Funding amounts for research and promotion proposals will be determined during the funding meeting. The date for the funding meeting will be set during the board’s January 29, 2026, meeting.
Arkansas Beef Council
The seven-member beef council is not accepting proposals at this time. The anticipated proposal period is spring 2026.
Arkansas Wheat Promotion Board
The eight-member board is not accepting proposals at this time. The anticipated proposal period is late spring 2026.
Proposal requirements and submission instructions for all research and promotion boards are available on the Department’s website here. Updates to proposal periods will also be posted on this page as they become available.
Funding decisions are made by board members at meetings open to the public.
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Media Contact: Ayden Duncan, (501) 813-6012
[email protected]